Established in 2004, the Bachelor of Optometry Program at An-Najah National University provides an integrated academic and clinical education designed to prepare scientifically and professionally competent optometrists. The curriculum combines biomedical sciences, optics and vision sciences, laboratory training, direct clinical practice, research, and evidence-based care.

Students develop the competencies required to conduct comprehensive eye and vision examinations, assess refractive status, visual function, and ocular health, interpret clinical findings, and formulate appropriate management, follow-up, or referral plans within the professional scope of optometry. Training also includes contact lenses, pediatric optometry and binocular vision, low-vision rehabilitation, clinical dispensing, and primary eye care.

The Program also emphasises professional ethics, patient safety, effective communication, interprofessional practice, social accountability, scientific research, and lifelong professional development, contributing to better eye health and the prevention of avoidable visual impairment and blindness in the Palestinian community.

To be a leading optometry program locally and regionally in optometric education, clinical training, research, and community service, and to contribute effectively to the advancement of eye and vision care and the promotion of eye health.

To provide a high-quality educational, clinical, and research environment that prepares optometrists with the scientific knowledge, clinical competence, professional behaviour, and ethical standards required to deliver patient-centred, evidence-based care, respond to community needs, and contribute to the advancement of optometry and eye-health services in Palestine.

• Provide an integrated and contemporary curriculum in biomedical sciences, optics and vision sciences, and clinical optometry.
• Prepare graduates who can conduct comprehensive eye and vision examinations and provide safe and effective optometric care within the professional scope of practice.
• Strengthen clinical education in primary eye care, contact lenses, pediatric and binocular vision, low vision, clinical dispensing, and ocular health.
• Promote evidence-based practice, critical thinking, scientific research, and the use of evidence in clinical decision-making.
• Promote professional ethics, effective communication, teamwork, social accountability, and patient-centred care.
• Develop local and international partnerships and clinical placements that support educational quality and continuous program development.
• Contribute to the development of eye and vision-care services and the prevention of avoidable visual impairment and blindness in Palestine.

• Admission to the Bachelor of Optometry Program is governed by An-Najah National University’s annual admission regulations and the available capacity of the Program. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the published minimum admission average for eligible applicants is 70% (Science branch). 
• Admission Requirements at An-Najah National University

• Successfully complete 131 credit hours in accordance with the approved study plan.
• Complete all University, Faculty, and Program requirements, including practical, clinical, and training components.
• Complete the required period of study in accordance with university academic regulations.
• Meet all other graduation and academic progression requirements specified in the current regulations of An-Najah National University.

Grading Scale for Optometry Courses

• The minimum passing mark for each course is 60%.

• A student who does not pass a course (achieved D- or below) is allowed to repeat the failed course up to two times.
• students are allowed to retake a course to raise their grade point average (GPA).

PLO 1
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology, eye disease, pharmacology, eye optics, and visual science, including accommodation, vergence, pupillary mechanisms, and ocular motility.

PLO 2
Explain and apply principles and techniques of optometric assessment, including refractive evaluation, binocular vision assessment (phorias, tropias, vergence, accommodation), and suppression testing.

PLO 3
Describe the epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology, and functional impact of ocular disease of the anterior and posterior segnents and visual disorders, including refractive errors, binocular vision anomalies, low vision conditions, and occupational eye hazards.

PLO 4
Perform comprehensive, problem-focused, and specialized eye examinations, including accurate case history, clinical testing, and interpretation of findings.

PLO 5
Apply clinical reasoning and decision-making to diagnose, manage, and monitor refractive, binocular, ocular, and low vision conditions, including appropriate referral.

PLO 6
Prescribe and manage appropriate optical and non-optical interventions, including spectacles, contact lenses, low vision aids, and vision therapy strategies.

PLO 7
Evaluate visual function and environmental factors, including occupational and ergonomic demands, and provide appropriate eye care, safety recommendations, and preventive strategies.

PLO 8
Apply optical principles and quantitative skills in clinical practice, including lens calculations, prism effects, magnification, and ophthalmic dispensing.

PLO 9
Communicate effectively, ethically, and professionally with patients and healthcare teams, including accurate documentation and preparation of referral and consultation reports, while adhering to ethical and legal standards.

PLO 10
Demonstrate ethical practice, professionalism, teamwork, independent learning, critical thinking, research engagement and continuous professional development.

Practical and clinical training is progressively integrated throughout the Program. Students initially develop fundamental skills through laboratory and practical courses, including eye and vision examination techniques, ophthalmic optics, clinical dispensing, and the use of diagnostic instrumentation. As they progress, students move into direct patient care under the supervision of academic staff, optometrists, and ophthalmologists.

Clinical training covers primary eye care, contact lenses, paediatric optometry and binocular vision, low-vision rehabilitation, clinical dispensing, and ocular health.

Students also train in university facilities, An-Najah National University Hospital, and approved external training sites. Clinical education culminates in the six-credit Optometric Externship, which includes rotations in relevant specialty clinics, hospitals, and vision-care units.

Community engagement is an integral component of the Program’s educational and clinical experience. Students and academic staff participate in vision screening, eye-health awareness, and optometric care activities for communities and population groups that may face barriers to accessing eye-care services. These activities allow students to apply clinical skills in community settings and understand social, geographical, and economic determinants of access to care.

The Program also develops relationships with healthcare institutions, eye clinics and hospitals, professional organisations, industry partners, and local and international training sites, and participates in academic and research projects, international exchange, conferences, and professional activities.

The Program uses a combination of teaching and learning approaches appropriate to course content and intended outcomes. These include interactive lectures, active learning, laboratory training, case-based and problem-based learning, clinical discussions, student presentations, guided and self-directed learning, and e-learning where appropriate.

Practical and clinical components increase progressively throughout the curriculum, with advanced years emphasising direct patient care, case analysis, clinical decision-making, patient communication, and learning within different eye-care environments.

A range of assessment methods is used to evaluate knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies in alignment with course and Program learning outcomes. Assessment methods include written and computer-based examinations where appropriate, quizzes, assignments, presentations, case reports, and research projects.

Practical and clinical courses are assessed through practical and clinical examinations, direct observation of performance, standardised rubrics and competency criteria, case-based assessments, and course-specific clinical records or requirements. Assessment is designed to verify students’ ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical skills and make safe, evidence-based professional decisions.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Optometry Program are prepared, subject to applicable professional regulations, for a range of roles in eye and vision care.

Career opportunities include:

• Optometry clinics and centres and private optometric practice.
• Ophthalmology clinics, hospitals, and eye-care centres as members of multidisciplinary eye-care teams.
• Optical dispensing and retail optical settings, including spectacle and lens services.
• Specialised areas such as contact lenses, paediatric optometry and binocular vision, low-vision rehabilitation, and primary eye care.
• Vision screening, eye-health promotion, community eye-care initiatives, and public eye health.
• Optical and eye-care industries, devices, products, and related professional services, subject to role requirements.
• Academic teaching and scientific research following completion of relevant postgraduate qualifications and academic requirements.

National recognition/accreditation:

• The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

International professional membership:

• An Affiliate Member of the World Council of Optometry (WCO), with membership renewed for 2026.
• A member of VOSH International (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity), supporting professional and community engagement and contributing to initiatives that promote eye care and serve underserved communities.

Optometry Program, Curriculum and Quality Committee

• Chair: Dr. Ithar Beshtawi

• Members

  • Ms. Diana Rabi
  • Ms. Asmaa Qaddumi
  • Ms. Yara Sinan

Clinical Training Committee

• Chair: Dr. Ithar Beshtawi

•  Members

  • Ms. Diana Rabi
  • Ms. Asmaa Qaddumi
  • Ms. Yara Sinan
  • Ms. Batoul Al-Titi
  • Ms. Reem Nasser
  • Ms. Dana Walweel
  • Ms. Majd Mara'beh

Public Relations Committee

• Chair: Ms. Diana Rabi

• Members

  • Dr. Ithar Beshtawi
  • Ms. Asmaa Qaddumi
  • Ms. Yara Sinan

Scientific Research and Graduation Projects Committee

• Chair: Dr. Ithar Beshtawi

• Members

  • Mrs. Diana Rabi
  • Mrs. Asmaa Qaddumi
  • Mrs. Yara Sinan

Student Affairs and Academic Advising Committee

• Chair: Dr. Ithar Beshtawi

• Members

  • Ms. Diana Rabi
  • Ms. Asmaa Qaddumi
  • Ms. Yara Sinan

Activities and Community Service Committee

• Chair: Mrs. Yara Sinan

• Members

  • Dr. Ithar Beshtawi
  • Mrs. Diana Rabi
  • Mrs. Asmaa Qaddumi
  • Ms. Batoul Al-Titi
  • Ms. Reem Nasser
  • Ms. Dana Walweel
  • Ms. Majd Mara'beh

Program Coordinator: Dr. Ithar Beshtawi

Administrative Role: Head of the Optometry Department

Extension: 2134

Email: [email protected]